Jackie Abrams
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Two New Hips, Mindfulness, and Train Rides

2/17/2017

4 Comments

 
On February 9, I had bilateral anterior hip replacements: two bright new shiny hips as I think about entering my 70’s.
 
I spent almost a week in the hospital, first in acute care, and then in re-hab, before coming home to begin the long healing process. My time in the hospital reminded me of how recovering from surgery is a mindfulness practice, in a way that is similar to a train trip.
 
Traveling on a train (which I do frequently, to visit my kids) is like suspending your life, your responsibilities for a day. Yes, I can still do computer work, but internet access is spotty, and so I don’t really try to be connected. I have text conversations with very few people, so it does not require my attention. My cell phone hardly rings, and when it does, I rarely answer it.
 
All of this puts me in a kind of ‘bubble’ when I am on the train. There are no expectations, no responsibilities. The day is mine. I can choose to read, to eat, to gaze out the window. I usually do all of those things. The choices are totally mine. It is enforced slow-living; I relish the time.
 
During the first night in the hospital, post-surgery, I found a semi-comfortable, drug-induced position, and never moved. I was wakened frequently, to take more drugs, to have my vital signs tested. The breathing and thinking I was doing during that time, and during the other times of restfulness, reminded me of my train trips. It was a freedom. There were no expectations; I didn’t need to pay attention to e-mails or politics. I was again in my own little ‘bubble.’
 
It was, and still is, a time of paying attention to multiple small details. How to walk, for example: keep your foot straight, lift it up, bring it forward, press down the heel, then the toe. Repeat with the other foot. Repeat. Repeat.
 
Is this drug-induced rambling? Perhaps. I hope that I am more able, in the future, to still be appreciative of every skill, to take nothing for granted.
 
 
4 Comments
Linda Temple
2/17/2017 07:13:47 pm

Such a great analogy! We love traveling by train, and after getting two new knees lately, I like your description. Get well soon!

Reply
Jackie
2/18/2017 06:31:10 am

Thank you Linda!

Reply
Juanita
2/18/2017 07:20:00 pm

Jackie, I have recently also had two hips replaced. Learning to walk and do basic activities (like turning, getting in and out of bed and putting one foot in front of the other) has been an amazing experience- I resonate with your experience.

The challenge I found is how quickly I have been drawn back into the world of non-mindfulness, the pushing to get back to 'normal' and do all the things I am 'supposed to do'. We put those time limits on ourselves and get disappointed when our bodies don't react in kind. It has been a real challenge for me (at the age of 43).

My hope for you is that you don't experience that, but remain in the mindful state.

I wish you lots of healing, comfort and rejuvenatation! It is an amazing experience, and so life changing.

Reply
Jackie
2/19/2017 07:51:22 am

What great words, Juanita. Thank you.
I do recognize that it will be hard to not take walking, for example, for granted.
I am 68, so perhaps it will be a bit easier. I have been learning to recognize the importance of mindfulness, a continuing practice.
My improvements, only 10 days out, like the ability to move a leg forward, are so appreciated!

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  • Home
  • About
    • In the News
    • Exhibitions & Galleries
    • Public Collections
    • Artist Statement
    • Resume
    • 46 Years in Images
    • Artist Talks
  • Portfolios
    • Precarious Shelters
    • Twinings
    • Collaborations
    • Women Forms
    • Elemental Vessels
    • Spirit Women
    • Other Works
  • Teaching
  • International
    • Central America
    • Australia & New Zealand
    • Africa >
      • Pokuase, Ghana • Jan 09
      • Ghana & Uganda • 08
      • Pokuase, Ghana • Aug 08
      • Pokuase, Ghana • Jan 08
      • Bolgatanga & Nungua, Ghana • 07
      • Ghana • 06
      • Namibia • 05
      • Nungua, Ghana • 05
  • Archived Blog